I attended the House of Blues Gospel Brunch about 10 years ago at the old location in downtown Disney and I recall it was a rip-roaring hand-clapping good time so when I got invited to check out their new location I was quick to jump at the chance! This was actually my first time at the new location in general since it opened earlier this year and I have to say it's pretty impressive! It feels a lot bigger and much more open than the old location even though it is somewhat of the same set-up with a large open main floor and an upstairs viewing section. I also hear there's a swanky Foundation Room at their new location but I didn't get a peek at it - maybe next time. ;)
Of course, you can't write about the brunch without talking about the food and holy smokes, this is a serious spread they have here folks! It's an all-you-can-eat southern theme (of course!) and features some pretty delicious southern brunch fare like biscuits and gravy, jambalaya, mac n cheese, fried chicken and waffles and of course, for you breakfast purists there's all the standard eggs, bacon, etc. fare. They also offer some really nice stations like a full made-to-order omelet bar and a yummy carving station.
Oh, and whatever you do, do NOT skip dessert! One of my hands-down favorite items was the decadent white chocolate banana bread pudding - sinfully delicious and a MUST try! Unfortuantely, I didn't get a good enough picture of it to post but it's an iconic dish at HOB's around the world and if you've never tried it you're in for a treat!
They also offer a $15 bottomless mimosa to add onto your brunch - very worth it as they come around quite often and keep you filled up! All in all, the food was pretty terrific and hit the spot for a Sunday morning indulgence.
Once you've had a chance to get your plate and start into your brunch the show starts - the gospel brunch features a different performer every week and we were lucky enough to be there when the fabulous Divine Connection was on stage. They were the perfect mix of upbeat fun tunes along with some classic gospel songs. They were also really skilled at getting everyone up and shaking their booties, even getting a contingent up on stage with them to show their stuff! I also saw more than one group celebrating birthdays and even a bachelorette party. It seems like the perfect place for a celebration of any kind and they seemed to do a fabulous job of handling the large parties - make a note for your next celebration!
One thing I also noticed as I looked around the room is EVERYONE was having a great time! I don't think I saw a single somber face in the place although I'm not sure how you could attend the gospel brunch and not leave in a great mood and with a happy tummy!
House of Blues Gospel Brunch is offered every Sunday at 10:30am.
New location is at the Anaheim Garden Walk, 400 W. Disney Way, Suite 337 in Anaheim - you can't miss 'em!
About House of Blues Anaheim:
The new House of Blues Anaheim at GardenWalk, marks the first new House of Blues to be built in the U.S. in a decade. The venue spans 44,000 square feet of space, with live music in four unique entertainment venues all under one roof including the main concert hall, the intimate Parish, the Foundation Room and House of Blues Restaurant and Bar. All four of the entertainment and food spaces offer the most advanced sound system of any House of Blues, and the location will feature live entertainment every night.
About House of Blues:
Founded in 1992, House of Blues are located throughout the United States and form the country’s pre-eminent group of intimate music venues. Each features state-of-the-art sound and lighting technology in one-of-a-kind custom designed environments aimed to bring fans as close as possible to the artists. Every location’s restaurant and bar is adorned with signature original folk-art – part of the world’s largest collection – combined with the House of Blues legendary hospitality and tantalizing cuisine.
Founded in 1992, House of Blues are located throughout the United States and form the country’s pre-eminent group of intimate music venues. Each features state-of-the-art sound and lighting technology in one-of-a-kind custom designed environments aimed to bring fans as close as possible to the artists. Every location’s restaurant and bar is adorned with signature original folk-art – part of the world’s largest collection – combined with the House of Blues legendary hospitality and tantalizing cuisine.